Method for synthesizing calixarene and/or cyclodextrin copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers, and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel method for synthesizing a composition of polymers, copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers, and to the use thereof, said composition being made from: cyclodextrins, in particular α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, the derivatives thereof or the corresponding mixtures thereof; and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or calix[n]arene derivative(s) and/or a mixture of two or more different calix[n]arenes selected from calix[n]arenes (n=4-20) and/or the derivatives thereof, and to the uses thereof. A method was developed on the basis of bulk polycondensation by heating. The invention can be used in the pharmaceutical, human medicine, veterinary medicine, chemistry, separation chemistry, environmental, electronics, biology, diagnostics, phytosanitation, medicinal food, agri-food, and cosmetics fields, and in the nutraceutical field and in the field of molecular imprints (MIP).

The present invention relates to a novel process for producing and to the uses soluble or insoluble copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers made from:

-   -   cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) and/or a         mixture of two or three different cyclodextrins,     -   and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or calix[n]arene derivative (s)         and/or a mixture of two or more different selected from         calix[n]arene(s) (n=4-20) and/or the derivatives thereof,     -   and crosslinking agent and/or a mixture of crosslinking agents,         with or without a catalyst (s).

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligomers composed of 6, 7 or 8 glucose units respectively termed α, β and γ cyclodextrin. Cyclodextrins are known for their ability to include various molecules in their hydrophobic cavity, in particular allowing solubilization in water and biological environments of molecular structures little or not soluble in these mediums and if required, to improve their stability and bioavailability.

The proprieties can be used in fields as varied as the pharmaceutical, human medicine, veterinary medicine, chemistry, phytosanitation, medicinal food, agri-food, cosmetic and nutraceutical.

Native cyclodextrins (CD), because of their low solubility in water: 127 g/l for α-CD, 18.8 g/l for β-CD and 236 g/l for γ-CD, can have a limit in their complexing properties, in particular in the case of β-cyclodextrin. In order to solve this, very soluble modified cyclodextrins and amorphous structures can be used. The presence of hydroxyl groups on the native cyclodextrins made it possible to develop cyclodextrins derivatives having an improved solubility. Indeed, native cyclodextrins have three types of alcohol groups: a primary alcohol group by molecular structure of glucose (position 6) and two alcohol groups by molecular structure of glucose (position 2 and 3), which represents 21 alcohol groups for β-CD likely to react (FIG. 1). Among these derivatives, partially or completely methylated cyclodextrins have distinctly a solubility in water improved compared to native cyclodextrins. Moreover, methylated cyclodextrins preserve the complexing properties of native cyclodextrins and can at the same time improve them, thanks to the electronic extension of the hydrophobic cavity by the substituted methyl functions. According to the size of the host molecules, their inclusion in the cavity of cyclodextrins is limited, for example the macromolecules, in particular the proteins and peptides. Moreover, the molar ratio cyclodextrin/host molecule is in general 1/1 or higher.

Cyclodextrin polymers, on the other hand, enjoy a number of advantages. As examples, they have higher molecular weight than cyclodextrins, the macromolecular structure of cyclodextrin polymers means that they can be considered to be biomaterials and the stability constants of the polymer-substrate complexes are often higher than those of cyclodextrin-drug complexes. As a result, hydrophobic, hydrophilic compounds and supramolecules are more readily complexed and less readily released by cyclodextrin polymers than by native cyclodextrins.

In 2001, Kosak, et al. according to US patent 20010034333 and US patent 2001021703, described the synthesis of polymers from cyclodextrins but by using an expensive and toxic process. To remedy to these disadvantages, Martel and al, according to the U.S. patent Ser. No. 09/913,475 (2001) described the synthesis of polymers from cyclodextrins without the use of organic solvent, but with a very low yield of soluble polymers (lower than 10%). In addition, the mechanical properties and the molecular weights of these cyclodextrin polymers are uncontrollable, with a low stability and a low molecular weight.

Research works of Martel B. and al. (J. of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 97, 433-442, 2005) described a yield of 10% for obtaining soluble polymers and of 70% for obtaining insoluble polymers. These low yields are the result of a solubilization of the all reagents in an aqueous phase according to the reaction 1, and since the reaction of esterification is a balance, the displacement of this reaction will be done towards the contrary direction of the formation of ester with a poor yield of polycondensation of cyclodextrins and on the other hand, with a very high rate of polymers with very low molecular weight involving a purification step during a long time (60 hours of dialysis).

Another disadvantage according to this patent: on the one hand, the process of polymerization can be made only with crosslinking agents in the form of triacid or polyacid and not from monoacid or diacid agents because this process use a temperature of polymerization in the range 100° C. to 200° C. Patent WO 00/47630 does not allow the polymer synthesis from diacid (for example maleic acid) and tetra acid agents (for example EDTA) because it is necessary to heat respectively at the temperature of 210° C. and 270° C. Moreover, this previous process is limited by the aqueous solubility of the crosslinking agent. The polymers prepared from beta-cyclodextrins are very rigid, the polymers prepared from gamma-cyclodextrins are very flexible and the polymers prepared from alpha-cyclodextrins range between the two states.

In addition, all these patents described polymers containing only one type of cyclodextrin, so with a limited efficiency since the inclusion complexes are formed only according to the affinity of the guest molecule with the size of the cavity of cyclodextrin used. Thus, the development of new cyclodextrin polymers is needed in order to overcome the abovementioned limitations, more particularly in terms of molecular encapsulation and type of polymers. The use of a mixture of polymers synthesized from various cyclodextrins makes it possible to have a very great probability of obtaining various compounds of inclusion, a better stability and a better solubility of the pharmaceutical drugs.

The present invention proposes a new process for producing polymers, copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers based on cyclodextrins or a mixture of two or three different cyclodextrins and/or their derivatives. This process is none polluting, cheap and can be used on an industrial scale with higher yields according to reaction 2.

This new process does not use water as reactional medium but a fusion by heating of the crosslinking agent with a water elimination which is formed during polymerization.

This new process allows also the use of all types of acids and their derivatives, as crosslinking agent without being limited by their solubility in the reactional medium, and also obtaining polymers, copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers based on cyclodextrins and/or a mixture of two or three different cyclodextrins and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s).

The mixture of cyclodextrins according to the present invention comprises at least two different cyclodextrins, which may each be present, in a content greater than or equal to 1% by weight, more particularly in a content greater than or equal to 10% by weight, or even in a content greater than or equal to 20% by weight, or even in a content greater than or equal to 30% by weight, or even in a content greater than or equal to 40% by weight, or even in a content greater than or equal to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the cyclodextrin.

In an alternative, the mixture of cyclodextrins comprises two cyclodextrins, more particularly:

-   -   an alpha-cyclodextrin/beta-cyclodextrin mixture, more         particularly in a ratio comprised between 10/1 and 1/10, or even         between 4/1and 1/4,     -   an alpha-cyclodextrin/gamma-cyclodextrin mixture, more         particularly in a ratio comprised between 10/1 and 1/10, or even         between 4/1and 1/4, or     -   a beta-cyclodextrin/gamma-cyclodextrin mixture, more         particularly in a ratio comprised between 10/1 and 1/10, or even         between 4/1and 1/4.

According to another alternative, the mixture of cyclodextrins comprises three cyclodextrins, more particularly an alpha-cyclodextrin/beta-cyclodextrin/gamma-cyclodextrin mixture, more particularly with an alpha-cyclodextrin/beta-cyclodextrin ratio comprised between 10/1 and 1/10, or even between 4/1 and 1/4, and/or a beta-cyclodextrin/gamma-cyclodextrin ratio comprised between 10/1 and 1/10, or even between 4/1 and 1/4. According to another aspect, the mixture of cyclodextrins comprises three cyclodextrins, more particularly an alpha-cyclodextrin/beta-cyclodextrin/gamma-cyclodextrin mixture, more particularly with an alpha-cyclodextrin/beta-cyclodextrin ratio comprised between 10/1 and 1/10, or even between 4/1 and 1/4, and/or a beta-cyclodextrin/gamma-cyclodextrin ratio comprised between 10/1 and 1/10, or even between 4/1 and 1/4.

According to another of the all aspects, the object of the invention is a composition comprising or consisting in a mixture at least two different cyclodextrins selected from alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof and at least one cross-linking agent.

The composition may have cyclodextrin/cross-linking agent weight ratio greater than or equal to 0.5, more particularly greater than or equal to 1, or even greater than or equal to 2. More particularly, the composition comprises a content in crosslinking agent greater than or equal to 20% by weight, in particular greater than or equal to 30% by weight, advantageously greater than or equal to 40% by weight, more particularly greater than or equal to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition may include at least two different cyclodextrins, each of these present in a content greater than or equal to 1% by weight, particularly in a content greater than or equal to 10% by weight, or event in a content greater than or equal to 20% by weight, or even in a content greater than or equal to 30% by weight, or even in a content greater than or equal to 40% by weight, or even in a content greater than or equal to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition according to the invention may be in the form of liquid, particularly an aqueous liquid, a semisolid or solid. It can more particularly be in the form of a powder, tablets, capsules, a cream, an emulsion, more particularly an aqueous or oily emulsion, or even a multiple emulsion, of liposomes, nanoparticles, microparticules or a suspension. The composition according to the invention may be pharmaceutical, pharmafood, veterinary, chemistry, phytosanitation, nutraceutical, dietary, cosmetic, in the field of molecular imprints (MIP) or in the field of environmental comprising a composition according to the invention.

The method for the production of composition of copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers soluble and/or insoluble made from:

-   -   cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) and/or a         mixture of different cyclodextrins,     -   and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or calix[n]arene(s) derivative         and/or a mixture of two or more different selected from         calix[n]arene(s) (n=4-20) and/or the derivatives thereof,         according to the invention and comprising the following         operations:

Step 1: Introduction into a reactional medium of a crosslinking agent or a mixture of crosslinking agents in the form of solid, aqueous or organic solution or suspension, and a cyclodextrin or a mixture of two or three different cyclodextrins and/or their derivatives in the form of solid or suspension, with or without catalyst(s), in order to obtain a reactional mixture.

Step 2: Agitation of the reactional mixture for a time in the range 1 min. to 180 min., preferably, appreciably equalizes or equalizes to 3 min.

Step 3: Application of microwaves on the reactional mixture for a time in the range 5 seconds to 72 hours, preferably 1.5 min. with an energy of irradiation determined between 1 to 1000 watts, but preferably 100 watts and with a temperature of 140° C. to produce mainly soluble composition or 170° C. to produce mainly insoluble composition.

Step 4: The solid reaction product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water and with two volumes of 50 mL of ethanol. The solid residue from washing was then dried at a temperature of 70° C. to obtain the insoluble composition.

Step 5: The first fraction of 60 mL from washing was filtered or dialyzed using a 12000-14000 D membrane. The resulting dialyzed solution was controlled by conductimetric measurements. In practice, the conductivity of distilled water used is measured at T0 (as of its recovery) and at T1 (after a dialysis for 18 hours) until obtaining a conductivity of T1 equal to that of T0.

Step 6: The resulting filtered or dialyzed solution was spray-dried or freeze-dried, representing the soluble composition.

Preferably, the mixture is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than 150° C., preferably about 170° C. for a time longer than 60 minutes, preferably under a vacuum, to produce mainly an insoluble composition. Alternatively, the mixture is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than 140° C., preferably at about 150° C., for a time longer than 20 minutes, preferably for about 30 minutes, preferably in a vacuum, to produce mainly the soluble composition.

Mechanism of polymerization: The heating by microwaves allows firstly the condensation, and the majority of carboxylic functions of polyacid become anhydrous (FIGS. 3-8). Then, the anhydrous functions will react with hydroxyl groups of cyclodextrins. This mechanism is different from that according to patent WO 00/47630 which describes simultaneously the condensation of polyacid and the interaction with the hydroxyl groups of cyclodextrins, and which leads to compositions with very low molecular weights and with a very high index of polydispersity (FIG. 9).

By analogy, the calixarenes are macrocyclic structures with complexing properties like cyclodextrins (FIG. 2). Calixarenes, of artificial origin, are macrocycles formed from “n” phenolic units (n=4 to 20) connected between them by methylene bridges on the ortho positions of phenol cycles.

The process of the invention can produce copolymers, terpolymers or tetrapolymers that include in their backbone, molecules of:

-   -   cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s), as well as         copolymers, terpolymers or tetrapolymers that include molecules         of cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) as         substitutes or side chains,     -   and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or calix[n]arene derivative(s)         and/or a mixture of two or more different selected from         calix[n]arene(s) (n=4 to 20) and/or the derivatives thereof.

The process of the present invention is preferably applicable to cyclodextrin(s) selected from alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, and gamma-cyclodextrin and to hydroxypropyl, methyl, ethyl, sulfobutylether or acetyl derivatives of alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin and gamma-cyclodextrin, and to mixtures formed from said cyclodextrins and said cyclodextrin derivatives and the crosslinking agent such as poly(carboxylic) acid or poly(carboxylic) acid anhydride selected from the following poly(carboxylic) acids and poly(carboxylic) acid anhydrides: saturated and unsaturated acyclic poly(carboxylic) acids, saturated and unsaturated cyclic poly(carboxylic) acids, aromatic poly (carboxylic) acids, hydroxypoly(carboxylic) acids, preferably selected from citric acid, poly(acrylic) acid, poly (methacrylic) acid, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid, 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, aconitic acid, all-cis-t,2,3,4cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid, mellitic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, and thiodisuccinic acid characterized in that the repeat unit has the following general formula (FIG. 10):

x et n=(1-10⁺⁸)

E: represents one of the functional groups for polycondensation mentioned in list Z

A, B: can be either a hydrogen atome (H) or a fluorine atom (F), or one of the functional groups mentioned in list G.

List (Z): list of condensation groups:

Carboxylic acid, amine, isocyanates and cyanamides and their derivatives, and other essential chemical groups for the condensation reaction are in the reference: Chemicals and Physicochemistry of polymers (Broché).

Michel Fontanille (Author), Yves Gnanou (Author).

Editor: Dunod ISBN-10:2100039822-ISBN-13:978-2100039821.

List G: list of functional groups:

acétal, acétoxy, acétylé, anhydride acide, acryle, groupes d'activation et désactivation, acyles, acyle halide, acylal, acyloin, acylsilane, alcools, aldéhydes, aldimine, alcénes, alkoxyde, alkoxy, alkyles, alkyls cycloalcane, alkyls nitrites, alcyne, alléne, allyles, amides, amidines, amine oxyde, amyle, aryle, arylene, azide, aziridine, azo, azoxy, benzoyle, benzyle, beta-lactames, bisthiosemicarbazone, biuret, acide boronique, butyles, carbamates, carbénes, carbinoles, carbodiimide, carbonate ester, carbonyles, carboxamide, carboxyles groupes, carboxylique acide, chloroformate, crotyles, cumulene, cyanamide, cyanates, cyanate ester, cyanamides, cyanohydrines, cyclopropane, diazo, diazonium, diols, énamines, énoles, enole éthers, énolate anion, énone, ényne, épisulfide, époxyde, ester, éthers, éthyles groupes, glycosidique liaisons, guanidine, halide, halohydrin, halokétone, hemiacetal, hemiaminal, hydrazide, hydrazine, hydrazone, hydroxamic acide, hydroxyl, hydroxyl radical, hydroxylamine, hydroxymethyl, imine, iminium, isobutyramide, isocyanate, isocyanide, isopropyl, isothiocyanate, cétyl, cétene, cétenimine, cétone, cétyl, lactam, lactol, mesylate, metal acetylide, méthine, méthoxy, méthyles groupes, methylene, methylenedioxy, n-oxoammonium salt, nitrate, nitrile, nitrilimine, nitrite, nitro, nitroamine, nitronate, nitrone, nitronium ion, nitrosamine, nitroso, nitrosyl, nonaflate, organique peroxyde, organosulfate, orthoester, osazone, oxime, oxon (chemical), pentyl, persistent carbene, phenacyl, phenyl groupes, phenylene, phosphaalcyne, phosphate, phosphinate, phosphine, phosphine oxyde, phosphinite, phosphite, phosphonate, phosphonite, phosphoniumes, phosphorane, propargyl, propyls, propynyls, sélénol, sélénonique acide, semicarbazide, semicarbazone, silyl enol éthers, silyl éthers, sulfide, sulfinique acide, sulfonamide, sulfonate, sulfonique acide, sulfonyl, sulfoxyde, sulfuryl, thial, thioacétal, thioamide, thiocarboxy, thiocyanate, thioester, thioéthers, thiokétal, thiokétone, thiols, thiourée, tosyl, triazene, triflate, trifluoromethyl, trihalide, triméthyle silyles, triol, urée, vanillyles, vinyles, vinyles halide, xanthate, ylide, ynolate, dérivés de silicone.

The catalyst is selected from dihydrogen phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, phosphates, hypophosphites, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal salts of polyphosphoric acids, carbonates, bicarbonates, acetates, borates, alkali metal hydroxides, aliphatic amines and ammonia,preferably selected from sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium hypophosphite. The catalyst can be associated with an inorganic solid support or a mixture of mineral solid support like alumina, silica gels, silica, Aluminum silicate, zeolites, titanium oxides, zirconium, niobium oxides, chromium oxides, magnesium or tin oxides to increase the heat-transferring surfaces during polymerization.

These compositions of copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers made from cyclodextrin(s) and/or a mixture of different cyclodextrins, and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) were obtained, but not exclusively, by the process of the present invention. They can be modified, ramified and/or cross-linked. Advantageously, the composition can include a positively charged compound, a negatively charged compound and/or modified compound(s) for example by fatty acid chains, PEG, PVP, chitosan, amino-acids.

The following examples the copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers of the present invention are given for illustration and are not limitative.

EXAMPLE 1

Synthesis of Soluble α-β-γ-CD Tetrapolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

A mixture of cyclodextrins (70 mg of α-cyclodextrin+70 mg of β-cyclodextrin+70 mg of γ-cyclodextrin), 210 mg of citric acid and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The flask was placed inside the microwave oven and irradiated. The optimal parameters for the reaction of polycondensation under microwave were summarized in tables 2-4:

1—Study of the influence of the irradiation energy on the polycondensation:

TABLE 2 HOLD MASS VOLUME Area of ester IRRADIATION TEMPERATURE TIME RATIO H₂O peak (Watt) (° C.) (min) (CD/AC) (mL) (FT-IR 1720 cm⁻¹) 300 120 2.2 1 2   9650 300 130 2.2 1 2 10 000 300 140 2.2 1 2 10 500 300 150 2.2 1 2 10 300

An optimum of temperature is obtained at 140° C.

2—Study of the influence of the irradiation energy on the polycondensation:

The temperature was fixed at 130° C. and the irradiation energies varied as illustrate in table 3:

TABLE 3 HOLD MASS VOLUME Area of ester IRRADIATION TEMPERATURE TIME RATIO H₂O peak (Watt) (° C.) (min) (CD/AC) (mL) (FT-IR 1720 cm⁻¹) 100 130 2.2 1 2 10 650 150 130 2.2 1 2 10 540 300 130 2.2 1 2 10 410

We obtained an optimum with 100 Watts for the power of radiation.

3—Study of the influence of the time of polycondensation (Hold time)

The influence of time reaction (Hold Time) was evaluated by fixing the other parameters summarized in table 4:

TABLE 4 HOLD MASS VOLUME Area of ester IRRADIATION TEMPERATURE TIME RATIO H₂O peak (Watt) (° C.) (min) (CD/AC) (mL) (FT-IR 1720 cm⁻¹) 300 130 2.2 1 2 10 340 300 130 1.5 1 2 10 675 300 130 1 1 2 10 210

An optimum of polycondensation time is obtained at 1.5 min.

EXAMPLE 2

Synthesis of alpha-cyclodextrin Copolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

A mixture of 210 mg of alpha-cyclodextrins (210 mg), 210 mg of citric acid and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The flask was placed inside the microwave oven and irradiated. The optimal parameters for the reaction of polycondensation under microwave as obtained in example 1, were applied. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water. The fraction of water (60 mL) from washing was filtered by membrane. The filtrate was then dried by spray-drying.

EXAMPLE 3

Synthesis of beta-cyclodextrin Copolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

A mixture of 210 mg of beta-cyclodextrins (210 mg), 210 mg of citric acid and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The flask was placed inside the microwave oven and irradiated. The optimal parameters for the reaction of polycondensation under microwave as obtained in example 1, were applied. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water. The fraction of water (60 mL) from washing was filtered by membrane. The filtrate was then dried by spray-drying.

EXAMPLE 4

Synthesis of gamma-cyclodextrin Copolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

A mixture of 210 mg of gamma-cyclodextrins (210 mg), 210 mg of citric acid and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The flask was placed inside the microwave oven and irradiated. The optimal parameters for the reaction of polycondensation under microwave as obtained in example 1, were applied. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water. The fraction of water (60 mL) from washing was filtered by membrane. The filtrate was then dried by spray-drying.

EXAMPLE 5

Synthesis of Soluble alpha-gamma-cyclodextrin Terpolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

A mixture of 105 mg of alpha-cyclodextrins, 105 mg of gamma-cyclodextrins, 210 mg of citric acid and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The flask was placed inside the microwave oven and irradiated. The optimal parameters for the reaction of polycondensation under microwave as obtained in example 1, were applied. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water. The fraction of water (60 mL) from washing was filtered by membrane. The filtrate was then dried by lyophilization.

EXAMPLE 6

Synthesis of Soluble alpha-beta-cyclodextrin Terpolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

A mixture of 105 mg of alpha-cyclodextrins, 105 mg of beta-cyclodextrins, 210 mg of citric acid and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The optimal parameters for the reaction of polycondensation under microwave as obtained in example 1, were applied. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water. The fraction of water (60 mL) from washing was filtered by membrane. The filtrate was then dried by lyophilization.

EXAMPLE 7

Determination of the molar mass of cyclodextrin polymers obtained either by the new process (the invention) or according to patent WO 00/47630 (anterior art) by Size Exclusion Chromatography coupled with Multiangle Laser-light Scattering (SEC/MALLS)

This method makes it possible to determine the mass distributions of polymers synthesized according to the present invention. The Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) is carried out to separate the macromolecules according to their sizes (their hydrodynamic volume in solution). For that, the solutions of polymers were injected then eluted on columns which are filled with nonadsorbent porous material. At the exit of the column, the fractions are detected according to their properties. Contrary to the techniques based on standard polymers and to a simple detection of concentrations (usually with a differential refractometer), the addition of a second detection by diffusion of the multiangle laser light, sensitive to the molecular weights, gives access to instantaneous variations of the giration radius and the average molar mass (Mw) of the eluted species at each time of elution, and to come back to the total mass distribution.

The instrument is equipped with a degazer (ERC-413), a pump (Flom Intelligent Pump, Japan) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min⁻¹, a filter with pore size of 0.45 micrometers, an injector Rheodyne (100 μL), a guard column (OHpak SBG, Showa Denko)and two columns in series (OHpak SB-804 HQ and SB-806 HQ). The system is connected to a triple detection: diffusion of the multiangle laser light, diffusion of the quasi-elastique light and refractometric detection.

Mw (g/mol) WO 00/47630 Present Aqueous solubility Anterior art invention (mg/mL) Poly alpha-CD 100 000 250 000 >1200 Poly beta-CD 100 000 270 000 >1200 Poly gamma-CD 100 000 300 000 >1200

EXAMPLE 8

Synthesis of Insoluble alpha-beta-cyclodextrin Terpolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

Mixture of 105 mg of alpha-cyclodextrins, 105 mg of beta-cyclodextrins, 210 mg of citric acid and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The parameters (300 Watts-2 min.-170° C.) were applied to obtain the insoluble terpolymer. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water and with two volumes of 50 mL of ethanol. The solid residue from washing was then dried at a temperature of 70° C. to produce the insoluble composition.

EXAMPLE 9

Synthesis of Insoluble alpha-beta-cyclodextrin Terpolymers Containing EDTA by Polycondensation Under Microwave

Mixture of 105 mg of alpha-cyclodextrins, 105 mg of beta-cyclodextrins, 210 mg of ethylene diamine tetra acetic (EDTA) and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The parameters (300 Watts-4 min.-170° C.) were applied to obtain the insoluble terpolymer. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water and with two volumes of 50 mL of ethanol. The solid residue from washing was then dried at a temperature of 70° C. to produce the insoluble composition.

EXAMPLE 10

Synthesis of Insoluble calix[4]arene Copolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave

Mixture of 210 mg of calix[4]arenes, 210 mg of ethylene diamine tetra acetic (EDTA) and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The parameters (300 Watts-4 min.-170° C.) were applied to obtain the insoluble copolymers. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water and with two volumes of 50 mL of ethanol. The solid residue from washing was then dried at a temperature of 70° C. to produce the insoluble composition.

EXAMPLE 11

Synthesis of Soluble calix[4]arene Copolymers by Polycondensation Under Microwave.

Mixture of 210 mg of calix[4]arenes, 210 mg of ethylene diamine tetra acetic (EDTA) and 10 mg of Na₂HPO₄ were taken in a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a condenser. The parameters (300 Watts-4 min.-140° C.) were applied to obtain the soluble copolymers. The solid product obtained according to the invention, was washed successively with three volumes of 20 mL of water. The fraction of water (60 mL) from washing was filtered by membrane. The filtrate was then dried by spray-drying to obtain the soluble composition.

EXAMPLE 12

Molecular Encapsulation of Insoluble Antihelminthic <<albendazole>> by Cyclodextrin Copolymers and Tetrapolymers.

Albendazole (ABZ) is a benzimidazole derivative with a broad spectrum of activity against human and animal helminthe parasites. ABZ therapy is very important in systemic cestode infections. Its international nomenclature is methyl[5-(propylthio)-1-H- benzimidazol-2yl]carbamate (FIG. 1). Its formula associates a benzene cycle and an imidazol cycle. Albendazole is a poorly water-soluble drug (5.10⁻⁴) and consequently, it is poorly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. The complexation of various cyclodextrins on solubility of albendazole was studied. Native cyclodextrins, cyclodextrin copolymers and cyclodextrin tetrapolymers were used, according to Higuchi's method. Cyclodextrin tetrapolymers were composed of 70% alpha-CD, 10% beta-CD and 20% gamma-CD, and were synthesized by polycondensation under microwave, according to example 1. The ratio cyclodextrin/citric acid is 1/3.

Table 7 represents the solubility of albendazole with native and modified cyclodextrins, and with copolymers and tetrapolymers based on cyclodextrin(s). Solubilities were higher with synthesizing cyclodextrin copolymers and tetrapolymers according to the present invention.

TABLE 7 poly CDs [ABZ] max. (mg/mL) poly alpha-CD 26 poly beta-CD 10 poly gamma-CD 20 poly (α,β,γ)-CD 28 alpha-CD 0.279 beta-CD 0.0435 gamma-CD 0.029

Apparent Solubilization of Albendazole by Copolymers, Terpolymers and Tetrapolymers Based on Cyclodextrin(S) and by Native Cyclodextrins EXAMPLE 13

Stabilization of copper nanopowder suspension by copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers based on cyclodextrins.

Solutions of synthesizing copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers based on cyclodextrins according to the present invention, with a concentration of 1% (W/V), allow the stabilization of aqueous suspensions based on copper nanopowder (1% and 4%) (Picture 1). For only native cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin derivative(s) (HP-beta-CD and PM-beta-CD), a precipitation of copper nanopowder was visible 48 hours after the preparation of suspensions (picture 2).

The development of stable suspensions from copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers based on cyclodextrins presents a major interest to improve the quality and the efficiency of the ferrofluids and catalysts. 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A process for producing a composition, the composition comprising a polymer, copolymer, terpolymer and tetrapolymer, the process comprising the steps of: fusing a crosslinking agent in a reactor by a first heating at a melting temperature of the crosslinking agent, then by a second heating at a temperature: in a range of about 140 degrees Centigrade to about 150 degrees Centigrade to produce mainly a soluble composition, said soluble composition selected from the group consisting of polymer, copolymer, terpolymer, and tetrapolymer; or of about 170 degrees Centigrade to produce mainly an insoluble composition, said insoluble composition selected from the group consisting of polymer, copolymer, terpolymer and tetrapolymer; adding a component to create a mixture, the component selected from the group consisting of calix[n]arene in a form of powder, cyclodextrin, a mixture of different calix[n]arenes; a mixture of different cyclodextrins, and a catalyst; stirring the mixture under vacuum to produce a composition, stirring to occur for a time selected from the group consisting of: between about 1 minute and 240 minutes when the desired end product is mainly the composition that is soluble; and about 2 hours when the desired end product is mainly the composition that is insoluble; washing the composition to produce a solid residue and a wash solution, said washing comprising successively rinsing the composition with three volumes of water, each of the volumes of water comprising 20 milliliters, and with two volumes of ethanol, each of the volumes of ethanol comprising 50 milliliters; drying the solid residue at a temperature of about 70 degrees Centigrade to obtain the composition that is insoluble; separating any remaining solid residue from the wash solution using a procedure selected from the group consisting of filtration and dialysis; and drying the wash solution by a process selected from the group consisting of spray-drying, atomization, lyophilization, and freeze-drying, said drying producing the composition that is soluble.
 17. The process according to claim 16, wherein when the step of fusing a crosslinking agent is conducted at a temperature of about 170 degrees Centigrade, then this step further includes holding this temperature for a time period of at least 60 minutes.
 18. The process according to claim 16, wherein when the step of fusing a crosslinking agent is conducted at a temperature in a range of about 140 degrees Centigrade to about 150 degrees Centigrade, then this step further includes holding this temperature for a time period of about 30 minutes.
 19. The process according to claim 16, wherein the step of washing the composition is performed using water.
 20. The process according to claim 16, wherein the mixture comprises a plurality of cyclodextrins in an amount greater than or equal to 1% by weight of the mixture after adding the plurality of cyclodextrins.
 21. The process according to the claim 20, wherein the plurality of cyclodextrins is selected from the group consisting of: an alpha-cyclodextrin and beta-cyclodextrin mixture; an alpha-cyclodextrin and gamma-cyclodextrin mixture; a beta-cyclodextrin and gamma-cyclodextrin mixture; an alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin and gamma-cyclodextrin mixture having a ratio of: alpha-cyclodextrin to beta-cyclodextrin of between 10/1 and 1/10; alpha-cyclodextrin to gamma-cyclodextrin of between 10/1 and 1/10; and beta-cyclodextrin to gamma-cyclodextrin of between 10/1 and 1/10.
 22. The process according to claim 16, wherein n=4-20 for any calix[n]arene or calix[n]arene derivative present in the mixture.
 23. The process according to one of the claim 16 wherein the mixture consists of: a plurality of components selected from the group consisting of a plurality of calix[n]arenes and a plurality of calix[n]arene derivatives; a range of n=4-20 for all of said plurality of components; and said plurality of components consists of at least two different values of n within said range of n=4-20.
 24. The process according to claim 16, wherein the mixture consists of a plurality of components selected from the group consisting of a calix[n]arene and a cyclodextrin.
 25. The process according to claim 16, wherein the weight of the crosslinking agent comprises a percentage of the total weight of the mixture that is at least 20%.
 26. The process according to claim 16, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of calix[n]arenes and cyclodextrins; and wherein the ratio of the weight of the component to the weight of the crosslinking agent is at least 0.5.
 27. The process according to claim 16, wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, phosphate, hypophosphite, alkali metal phosphate, alkali metal salt of polyphosphoric acid, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, borate, alkali metal hydroxide, aliphatic amine and ammonia,sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium hypophosphite
 28. The process according to claim 16, wherein the catalyst is associated with a support, said support selected from the group consisting of an inorganic solid support, and a mixture of mineral solid support, said mixture of mineral solid support selected from the group consisting of aluminα,silica gel, silica,aluminum silicate, zeolite, titanium oxide, zirconium, niobium oxide, chromium oxide, magnesium and tin oxide, wherein said mixture of mineral solid support increases heat-transfer surface area during polymerization.
 29. The process according to claim 16, wherein: the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin; and the mixture of different cyclodextrins comprises cyclodextrin derivatives selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl, methyl, ethyl, sulfobutylether, acetyl derivative of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin and a binary or ternary mixture formed from cyclodextrin and the derivatives thereof.
 30. The process according to claim 16, wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of a poly(carboxylic) acid and poly(carboxylic) acid anhydride, saturated acyclic poly(carboxylic) acid, unsaturated acyclic poly(carboxylic) acid, saturated cyclic poly(carboxylic) acid, unsaturated cyclic poly(carboxylic) acid, aromatic poly (carboxylic) acid, hydroxypoly(carboxylic) acid, citric acid, poly(acrylic) acid, poly (methacrylic) acid, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid, 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, aconitic acid, all-cis-t,2,3,4cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid, mellitic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, and thiodisuccinic acid.
 31. The process according to claim 16, further comprising the step of changing the composition by an action selected from the group consisting of: positively charging the composition; negatively charging the composition; adding fatty acid chains to the composition; adding PEG to the composition; adding PVP to the composition; adding chitosan to the composition; and adding amino-acid to the composition.
 32. A composition according to claim 16, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of a powder, a tablet, a capsule, a pellet, a cream, and an emulsion, said emulsion selected from the group consisting of an aqueous emulsion, an oily emulsion, a multiple emulsion, solution, colloidal solution, and a suspension. 